Well, now that the predictably tabloid reaction to Chris Payne's second goal has died down, can we all finally admit that Sydney are worthy grand finalists?
To Wellington's credit they pushed Sydney, but for the fourth time this season they struggled with Sydney's pace, passing and cultivated directness. Payne's first goal and Brosque's goal were the real difference between the teams - guile, pace and strength to create the opportunity and quality to finish it. And that's it. The teams otherwise cancelled each other out by each giving away two rather stupid goals each - and say what you like about Payne's second goal, it was still embarrassing defending for a team that was supposedly right back in the match and poised to march on to an assured victory. Any analysis of the match worth its salt comes to the conclusion that Sydney outplayed Wellington pretty comprehensively and were full value for the win.
Sydney and Melbourne are two teams that are pretty sure that they have the other's measure. That's what makes this grand final so great.
It's Sydney's record this season that suggests to me that they will finish as champions on Saturday. Not so much the record against Melbourne, though promising, but Sydney's record of rising to the occasion at just the right time. Sydney's season has been far from flawless but they have been brilliant at taking their opportunities under pressure - the games over Christmas and the game against Perth in February are fine examples. The ability to rise to pressure and do the job when it really matters is the first reason that Sydney will win the grand final.
The second reason that Sydney will win the grand final is brought to you by the letter B. Sydney defend from the front better than any team in the league, and Brosque and Bridge do it the best. In the 3:0 win over Melbourne, Bridge rendered Muscat a bystander by standing on his toes for the entire match. Whereas Sydney have 4 ball playing backs, Melbourne have 2 and of them only Muscat is really any good. If Bridge can shut Muscat out, then Melbourne's transition play suffers badly. The prospect of Brosque, Bridge and Payne in great form up front is also pretty mouthwatering. Last week was a masterclass in counterattacking football and I cannot wait for the next episode.
The third reason that Sydney will win the grand final is at the other end of the park. When the ball is in front of Clint Bolton, he is world class - easily the best shot stopper in the league. Melbourne won't come at him from the wings and that will suit him perfectly. King Clint deserves to finish his stint at Sydney FC with another championship and there is every chance that victory will ride on his reflexes and glove work. Right now, I wouldn't have anyone else in goal for Sydney.
The final reason is that Sydney will complete their season puzzle by getting basics right. For all of the possession football, pace and close passing that Sydney have become this season they have not really put it together with flawless defence. I know that sounds an odd criticism of the stingiest defence in the league but the little lapses have cost us all season. Some of that is just rotten luck - teams lapse every game and get away with it. Sydney know what they have to do defensively here. Close down Carlos without being stupid about it. Mark tight at set pieces. Let Archie and Kruse drift wide, but track their runs into the box closely. Don't be afraid to be a bit physical with Melbourne - we've already won the fair play award and Melbourne will certainly be all physicality, niggle and whinge (have they ever been anything else?). But despite their reputation, Melbourne are a team that can lose their cool and when they do, they lose. If Strebre's last performance in Sydney is anything to go by, any gamesmanship you can think of will be fair game.
If we can get a goal or two, and execute Lavicka's gameplan, we'll be riding the golden dunny seat on Qantas flight 400 to Sydney the next morning.
Come on you boys in blue.
